Why do this problem?

This problem is useful for providing an interesting way of practising simple addition and subtraction. It can also be used to learn more about the rules for adding odd and even numbers. The problem requires a trial and improvement approach, and it is worthwile encouraging learners to articulate their method, so that
it can be compared with someone else's.

Possible approach

You could start by joining together various pairs of dominoes so that the touching ends make a total of six. If you display several pairs on the board at the same time, you could ask children to talk about what they notice and this will make a nice lead into the problem itself. (Using the Dominoes Environment
for this purpose may be useful.) Depending on their experience of using dominoes, you may need to give the group time to handle a full set of dominoes (one between two) first of all, before asking them to talk about how it is made up. You can then introduce the language of 'doubles' and pairs can remove the doubles from their own set.

After this, the children could work on the problem with their partner so that they are able to talk through their ideas. These sheets have a board with spaces for the fifteen domino pieces. The second page has the twenty-one pieces from the reduced set. If you want
to use the board with a real set in which the pieces are a different size from the one given, you may be able to use a photocopier that can enlarge or reduce to change the size of the board to fit.

At the end of the lesson an interesting discussion could arise about which six pieces were left at the end of each activity and why this was so. You may also choose to focus on asking the children what they notice about adding odd and even numbers.

Key questions

How much more do you need to make six?

What goes with one to make six?

If you take four from six what does it leave?

Can you find another way to do it?

Which domino pieces will you have to leave out if you are making seven? Why can't you use them?

Which domino pieces will you have to leave out if you are making five?

Is this number odd or even?

Possible extension

Children who find this problem straightforward could use a full set of dominoes and, following the same rules, try to make them join up.

Possible support

It might be helpful for children to make a pictorial list of the dots on the dominoes that make six. You might find Domino Sorting useful as an alternative.

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the
NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to
embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities
can be found here.